Unlocking the True Potential of ChatGPT: Five Practical Uses
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Chapter 1: Beyond Article Writing
Many individuals who have experimented with the prompt “write an article about [topic]” can attest to a common truth: ChatGPT struggles to produce high-quality written content. This is not a surprise. If you're skeptical, simply ask it to draft a blog post, and you’ll likely receive subpar material that lacks appeal for genuine readers.
However, despite this limitation, I remain an advocate for ChatGPT. It significantly streamlines my workflow as a content creator, saving me considerable time. Here are five unexpected applications of ChatGPT that I find incredibly useful.
Section 1.1: Optimizing Titles
Creating compelling titles used to consume about an hour of my week, covering everything from email subject lines to article headings. Now, this process takes me just five minutes.
I utilize ConvertKit for my email campaigns, which features a handy A/B subject line tester. This tool is integral to my content strategy, allowing me to gauge the effectiveness of my title ideas before sharing them with my audience. Typically, I’ll email you the best concepts first and use the responses to determine which title resonates most effectively.
Would you be surprised to learn that I often turn to ChatGPT for generating alternative title options?
I’m not particularly adept at crafting titles, so it’s a relief to use ChatGPT for this purpose. Although its suggestions aren't always perfect, they provide a solid foundation to work from.
Section 1.2: Coding Tables in Squarespace
Before using ChatGPT, coding tables for my articles was virtually impossible, as I lacked HTML skills.
I love incorporating tables into my content to enhance accessibility for screen reader users and improve readability for all. However, Squarespace requires HTML for table creation, as it doesn’t offer a built-in feature.
Thanks to ChatGPT, I can now easily generate the HTML code necessary for my tables. Simply input the table format from Google Docs or Sheets into ChatGPT, and it will convert it into HTML with remarkable ease.
If the output isn't satisfactory, minor adjustments can be made effortlessly.
Critics may argue that this process undermines the work of programmers. However, the reality is, I would never hire someone for a one-off HTML table job. My investment would be in comprehensive website design, not minor tasks. Thus, I gain new functionality to enhance my readers' experience.
Chapter 2: Efficient Research and Summarizing
The first video titled "Don't Use ChatGPT! Use This Instead" discusses alternative uses for ChatGPT that can enhance productivity.
Summarizing lengthy articles used to take me anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, but now I can get the gist in just a few minutes.
For instance, when drafting an article about the best backends for React, I can ask ChatGPT to summarize popular articles on this complex topic to quickly grasp the key points.
Keep in mind that the free version of ChatGPT cannot access the internet, so you’ll need to copy and paste the text. Additionally, it can handle only about 2,000 words at a time.
Section 2.1: Generating Relevant Examples
Researching examples used to consume 1-2 hours per article. Now, I can accomplish it in 20-30 minutes.
For my ghostwriting role at a PR company, I often encounter topics where I lack industry-specific knowledge. Instead of searching forums like Reddit for relevant anecdotes—especially now that many threads are less accessible due to API issues—I ask ChatGPT for examples.
This approach provides a valuable starting point, although I always verify the information given.
Section 2.2: Editing Assistance
Finally, I utilize ChatGPT as an editing tool. What once took me 30-40 minutes can now be completed in 5-10 minutes.
While a general request like "improve this" won't suffice, I can ask specific questions. For instance, I might inquire about instances of passive voice, the overall tone, or how well the article flows.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, here are some key takeaways for using ChatGPT effectively:
- It is not suited for creating intricate long-form content. Avoid using it for that purpose.
- However, it can significantly alleviate mundane tasks in your daily workflow.
- Be specific in your requests for the best results. Asking for a critique like a professional editor yields superior feedback.
- Always verify the information provided by ChatGPT before relying on it.
Enjoy exploring this innovative technology! It presents numerous opportunities for enhancing your productivity. For more insights on AI, consider subscribing to my newsletter, expl.ai.ner.
The second video titled "5 Secrets to Writing with Chat GPT (Use Responsibly)" shares valuable tips for responsibly utilizing ChatGPT in your writing process.